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FloodSmart.gov
Heavy Rain Flood Risk
Heavy Rains: The Risks
Heavy rains can happen throughout the year, putting property at risk.
Cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains, and saturated ground all
contribute to significant flooding when there is an excessive amount
of rainfall.
Flash Floods
A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than 6
hours. Flash floods are known to roll boulders, tear out trees, and
destroy buildings and bridges.
Floods are the number 1 natural disaster in
the United States. Flooding causes damage
Mudflows
and destruction across regions nationwide,
Mudflows are rivers of liquid and flowing mud on the surface of
wiping out homes and businesses. However,
normally dry land, often caused by a combination of brush loss and
many residents and business owners are
subsequent heavy rains. Mudflows can develop when water saturates
unaware that they qualify for flood insurance.
the ground, such as from rapid snowmelt or heavy or long periods
You can take steps to reduce the financial
of rainfall, causing a thick, liquid, downhill flow of earth. Mudflows,
impact of flooding before a disaster strikes.
covered by flood insurance, are different from other earth movements
One important step is understanding your risk.
Even a heavy rainstorm can cause significant
flooding, contributing to flash floods, mudflows,
or overtopping levees and dams.
where there is not a flowing characteristic—such as landslides or
slope failures—that are not covered by flood insurance.
Levees and Dams
Levees are designed to protect against a certain level of flooding.
However, levees can and do decay over time. Levees can also be
overtopped or breached during large floods. Dams are an important
resource in the United States, providing many functions that include
recreation, flood control,
irrigation, water supply,
and hydroelectric power,
but they can also be
breached with little
warning. Levee and dam
breaches can result in
To learn more about your
risk for flooding and how
to prepare for floods, visit
FloodSmart.gov/heavyrain.
catastrophic flooding.
MAY 2015
Preparing for a Flood
Residents and business owners need to prepare for flood conditions. Before the threat of flooding becomes
imminent, residents and business owners should:
• Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one.
• Review their current insurance policy, become familiar with what is covered, and ensure the limits are adequate for
their building and personal belongings.
• Make an emergency kit, plan evacuation routes, and keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place.
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions.
For more information regarding a policy, please call your insurance agent. You also can visit FloodSmart.gov or call
1-800-427-2419 to find a local agent.